Thursday Afternoon
Rover Driscoll parked his truck in front of the bungalow, where a crew of three men were working on the roof. A fourth man was on the driveway, loading bundles of asphalt tiles on a conveyer belt that carried them to the roof. He walked over to the man loading the tiles.
“How’s it going, Jimmy?” He knew Jimmy had served time for assault that resulted in surgery for the victim. He had empathy for his situation.
After they released Jimmy from prison, he felt tempted to return to return to the old way of life when the church contacted him, offering him an opportunity to live a normal life.
The man took a deep breath. “Damn hard work. But I ain’t complaining. I sure appreciate you giving me a job.”
Rover looked at the ex-con, recognizing the relief of actually working for a living. It reminded him of himself, several years ago, when the church sponsored him with an apartment and a modest income until he found a job. That helping hand allowed him to turn his back on his previous life. He returned the favour by hiring ex-cons who showed a willingness to start a new life. “I know how it is, Jimmy. Been there myself.”
“Thanks. I’m willing to do all the overtime you want, even at straight time. I can use a few extra bucks.” He loaded a bundle of tiles. “My ex never asked for child support payments. I guess she figured that was a dead end since I was in prison. But I want to send her some money. You know, to show her I’m not a complete asshole. If there’s anything extra I can do, let me know.”
“Well, actually there is a job outside of roofing I need a man for. It is illegal, but the Lord would tell you it’s the right thing to do.”
“As long as I don’t get in trouble with the law.”
“Trust me, the law won’t care about this.”